Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Check out our curated list, where you can witness nature’s raw power, experience the awe-inspiring spectacle of an erupting volcano, and gain a newfound respect for the forces that shape our world. Despite the looming threat, authorities believe the disruption to air travel, including Reykjavik Airport, will likely be minimal. Standing as the tallest peak in Italy south of the Alps, it reaches a height of 3,357 meters. Recently, Etna has been exhibiting renewed activity, with eruptions sending ash miles into the sky and raining down on Catania. Despite this, Numerous tour operators offer hikes and drives around this UNESCO World Heritage Site, as Mount Etna is generally considered safe. Besides its impressive lava flows, the region offers many adventures, including exploring rainforests, remarkable waterfalls, hot springs, and the Arenal Hanging Bridges. The nearby town of La Fortuna serves as an excellent base for exploring these natural wonders. The island gained global attention following the tragic eruption on December 9, 2019, which resulted in the deaths of 22 tourists and tour guides. Recently, Whakaari Management, responsible for the island, was found guilty of significant safety failures related to this disaster. Tourists have not been allowed to visit the island since this tragic event. Known for its unpredictable and powerful eruptions, Hekla remains a crucial point of interest for scientists and tourists. Adventurous souls can embark on guided hikes to the summit to witness molten lava flowing down the slopes and into the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s a captivating display of the Earth’s raw power, and the island’s unique charm extends to its quaint villages, like the picture-perfect Stromboli town. Recent eruptions have added to Shiveluch’s volcanic legacy, painting the surrounding landscapes with a dramatic palette of ash and lava. Its towering plumes, visible from miles away, tell the ongoing story of this geological giant’s turbulent relationship with the Earth’s crust. Campi Flegrei, known as the Phlegraean Fields, is a vast supervolcano west of Naples, Italy. This unique geological site, which includes several cities such as Pozzuoli, Bacoli, Monte di Procida, and Quarto, currently exhibits signs of unrest. Recently, the area has been jolted by more than 1100 earthquakes in a month, prompting Italian authorities to plan mass evacuations. The Campi Flegrei caldera, Europe’s largest active caldera, has been restless for over 73 years, and new studies suggest that this activity may increase the potential for rupture before an eruption. Mount Bromo is an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia, part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. It’s part of a volcanic complex that includes Mount Semeru, the highest peak in Java. The active Bromo, along with its neighbouring peaks and the caldera, create a surreal and picturesque environment. Mount Bromo is also a popular destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. The trek to the summit of Mount Bromo is relatively accessible, and visitors can also explore the caldera on horseback. Despite this, Ubinas remains a popular hiking destination, offering impressive views of the surrounding landscape. While eruptions are a stark reminder of Ubinas’ dynamic nature, local guides ensure a safe and informative exploration of its slopes, revealing the resilience of life amidst the volcanic drama. The thrill of hiking to the top, standing on the edge, and looking into the steaming abyss is an experience you won’t forget. But the park offers more than just its volcano. It’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with exotic birds filling the skies and unique flora dotting the landscape. Yet, it’s essential to remember Poás is no ordinary park. It’s an active volcano. Safety precautions are paramount, ensuring that every visit is an unforgettable experience, not a dangerous gamble. Known for its near-perfect cone shape, Mount Mayon is considered one of the most beautiful and iconic volcanoes in the world. Sinabung is an active volcano with a fascinating and formidable history. After lying dormant for over 400 years, it roared back to life in August 2010, reshaping the local landscape and the lives of those who inhabit it. The eruption in 2021 sent a massive column of smoke and ash into the sky, a stark reminder of the power beneath our feet. Often referred to as the “Smoking Mountain” or “Gateway to Hell,” Erta Ale is a shield volcano that is a prominent feature of the East African Rift System. Jopocatépetl is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and is situated between the states of Mexico, Puebla, and Morelos. The volcano has a long history of eruptions, with the most recent major eruptive phase starting in 1994 and continuing intermittently. The 1994 eruption prompted the evacuation of nearby communities, and subsequent eruptions have led to periodic alerts and safety measures. Its last major eruption occurred in 2002, causing significant damage to the nearby town of Goma and displacing thousands of residents. One of the most striking features of Nyiragongo is its persistent lava lake within its crater. This unique and rare feature makes it a fascinating subject for scientific study and attracts researchers, volcanologists, and tourists. Known for its near-perfect cone shape and frequent activity, Villarrica is a popular destination for adventurers and tourists. Despite its activity, it is a popular destination for climbers and hikers due to its accessibility and beautiful scenery. Check with relevant authorities for safety guidelines, necessary permissions, and appropriate gear. The Aso caldera is a spectacular natural formation, encompassing a central volcanic group and featuring the iconic Aso-san, or Mount Aso, at its centre. The visitor centre, situated within the vast Aso Caldera, also offers a wealth of information about the volcano and its history. If you’re considering visiting this active volcano, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure and plan carefully. Standing over 14,000 feet in elevation, Nevado del Ruiz offers fantastic views that ignite your wanderlust. But remember, this is an active volcano. Always heed local warnings and respect safety measures. Given the dynamic nature of volcanic activity, potential visitors and residents in the vicinity must stay informed about the current conditions. Portia Jones has spent years traversing the globe and having many misadventures. She now works as a freelance travel journalist and is a Lonely Planet guidebook author and hosts the Travel Goals Podcast. She specialises in adventure travel, destination guides and city breaks. Her work has appeared in The Times, National Geographic, Wanderlust Magazine and the Independent. She can normally be found hiking, swimming outdoors in icy waters, or drinking coffee in bougie cafes. Looking for a beach break where you can experience thrilling outdoor adventures? St Lucia combines natural splendour, Caribbean charm, and idyllic resorts with adrenaline-pumping pursuits and wellness activities. This small, laid-back island consists of two distinct regions, offering visitors an impressive selection of white-sand beaches, dense jungles, and world-class diving…. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behaviour or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. 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